What is massage, everyone knows. However, not everyone understands what effect this procedure has on the body. There are different massage methods. It is made for a very different purpose. As a result, his technique may vary significantly. This procedure has a certain therapeutic effect. What effect this or that type of massage has on the body will be considered in the article.
History of occurrence
Different methods and techniques of massage have been used by mankind since ancient times. One of the first references to this procedure is found in manuscripts of Ancient China, which were dated to the 5th century BC. e. At that time, massage was done in order to heal from colds, as well as to resist mild diseases.
Similar procedures were also known to the inhabitants of ancient India. Here the massage was combined with a visit to the bath. In ancient Egypt, servants kneading the feet of their rulers. In ancient Greece, massage was used to care for the body. He helped relieve fatigue, pain, accelerated wound healing during rehabilitation, etc.
In ancient Rome, massage was considered a mandatory procedure during the ritual of washing the nobility. In this case, oils were used. Many famous doctors of that era possessed various techniques of rubbing and massaging the body.
In the Middle Ages, a developed civilization was defined in the region of the Arabian Peninsula. Here, doctors used the techniques described by Hippocrates, Galen, which were based on different massage techniques. The famous physician of the Arab world Avicenna gathered together the scattered knowledge of his predecessors. He described massage techniques in detail.
At this time in Europe, massage was recognized by the church as a terrible sin, as it resembled “carnal joys”. Such techniques in these lands were used only by rare midwives and healers. Most of them were recognized as witches.
In Russia, massage was used in combination with bath procedures. The technique used in those days is still relevant today. To do this, a broom was used, which they whipped each other in the bath. Rubbing was also used for various injuries, rheumatic pains. In this case, various ointments on a plant basis were used.
During the Renaissance, massage became popular again in Europe. The healers began again to turn to the ancient techniques of massage, using it for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
The intensive development of sciences such as biology and physiology in the 19th century led to the development of new massage methods. Not only indications were determined, but also contraindications to such manipulations. At the beginning of the last century, massage was actively used in the preparation of athletes for the Olympics. Today, the attitude to massage is significantly different from the ideas of antiquity.
Features of the procedure
Modern massage techniques are so diverse. What can be used for a variety of diseases and for various purposes. This type of therapy is widespread in all countries of the modern world. Massage is a combination of mechanical and reflex techniques that allow you to act on tissues, internal organs. At the same time, such effects as vibration, grinding, pressure, stroking, striking may be provided.
Massage can be carried out with hands or special tools, equipment. In this case, different oils, medicinal ointments, creams and gels can be used. The choice of equipment and available tools depends on the purpose of the massage. It can be medical, sports, cosmetic or hygienic.
There are different massage methods in children and adults. The procedure is carried out both for healthy people and patients of different medical institutions. There are many indications for performing the presented manipulations. First of all, it is worth noting that massage stimulates the immune system and accelerates metabolic processes. It allows you to maintain the body in good shape.
Massage is performed for pathologies of the musculoskeletal system of a degenerative, inflammatory nature. During the rehabilitation period after fractures, dislocations, bruises and injuries, this therapy is prescribed to exclude the possibility of complications, functional disorders.
With neuralgia or neuritis, when the disease is not in an acute stage, massage is also indicated. It is recognized as an effective remedy for migraine, chronic heart failure, gastrointestinal diseases, hypotension, hypertension, asthma, bronchitis, mild forms of infectious diseases. Also, such manipulations are prescribed in order to remove scars from burns, cuts. During the rehabilitation period after a heart attack, massage is also indicated. For anemia, diabetes, obesity and salt deposition, similar procedures are also performed.
Effect of the procedure
The main massage methods are aimed at eliminating various pathologies, diseases. This method does not require the use of medications. Therefore, it is of great benefit when properly prescribed and used. This therapy improves blood circulation and speeds up the circulation of lymph, increasing blood flow to the internal organs.
Massage helps to increase the number of red blood cells and white blood cells in the blood, which helps to strengthen the immune system. During the procedure, the muscles relax, which allows you to remove their swelling, strengthen the ligaments.
In the presence of a pain syndrome of various types, massage is able to relieve negative sensations without taking various painkillers. The sympathetic adrenaline system works correctly. The metabolism of the body is accelerated, which is especially beneficial in the fight against excess weight.
The excretory system of the skin begins to work more actively. The sensitivity of the epithelium increases. The skin becomes supple and resilient. Cells get enough nutrition with a rush of blood. This allows you to rejuvenate the skin, give it a healthy look. Moreover, during the procedure, particles of the stratum corneum of the skin are removed from the surface, which also has a beneficial effect on the epithelium. As a result, not only skin but also the whole body is rejuvenated.
Various methods of back massage allow you to strengthen your muscles here. A person feels a surge of strength and energy, fatigue and stressful conditions pass. The psychoemotional state also returns to normal. Depending on the chosen technique, you can both calm and excite the nervous system.
Due to the acceleration of metabolism, toxins are removed from the body. In this case, a correction of the figure. Cellulite disappears after regular massage.
Classification
There are many varieties of massage. The division is carried out in accordance with various characteristics. By the strength of the effect, superficial and deep massage are distinguished. In the first case, small or medium pressure is produced on the body. Deep massage involves a more serious effect. It affects not only the skin, but also the internal organs. For example, it can be special methods of massage of the heart or organs of the peritoneum. Soft light movements tone the body. Medium movements, on the contrary, calm him down.
The pace of massage can be slow, medium or fast. The choice depends on the purpose of the procedure. If it is designed to calm the nervous system, choose a slow pace. A quick massage, on the contrary, stimulates the body. The average pace has a neutral effect. However, he is closer to the calming category of manipulations.
The movements of the masseur can be different. This can be striking, grinding, vibration, twisting, kneading, stretching, etc. There are also methods of acupressure. The master exerts such effects manually or using special equipment. There are also specific techniques, for example using legs or using cans, needles, stones. Massage can also be combined.
Such manipulations are most often carried out by specialists. However, some techniques a person can apply himself. In this case, he performs self-massage. If the procedure is performed by a specialist, he can act on different parts of the body. This can be the face of the back, legs, feet, stomach, etc. Sometimes the whole body is massaged. Massage systems can refer to the Eastern, European, classical school.
Systems and Techniques
New massage methods have appeared on the basis of the knowledge of one or another people. As a result, the techniques of different schools are used today. Popular in our country and in the world are the Russian, Swedish, Finnish and Eastern systems. They have come a long way from the primitive techniques of the Middle Ages to modern techniques.
Each school has its own characteristics. The Russian massage system is distinguished by a clear delineation of effects on the body, depending on the area of their application. Stroking and twisting techniques prevail, the choice of which corresponds to the anatomical features of the body. Kneading and shock are carried out in accordance with the structure of the muscles. Grinding is also applied by this system. It is prescribed for joints. The strength of the impact and the pace of manipulation are regulated depending on the general condition of the person.
The Swedish system includes several mandatory tricks. These include rubbing, moving, kneading and stroking. The force applied by the master is greater than in other systems. This allows you to have profound effects on the organs. The task of the technique is to stretch the vascular and nerve bundles, rubbing the seals.
Swedish massage is one of the most difficult techniques. The masseur with the help of fingers diagnoses the condition of the patient, and then decides on the strength and characteristics of the effects. The master begins the procedure from the feet, then moves along the legs, hips, hands, arms. At the end, massage the shoulder. Methods of therapeutic massage of the Russian school suggest the opposite sequence of actions.
Finnish, eastern systems
One of the techniques known today is the massage of the Finnish school. It has a number of features. This school uses acupressure techniques. The procedure is carried out using rubbing movements with the pads of the thumbs. The variety of techniques in this system is small. This does not allow varying the effect in accordance with the anatomical features of the human body.
Today, Finnish massage is recognized as ineffective. In this case, the master must have great stamina. All the burden falls on the thumbs of his hands. The Finnish school involves massage in the same sequence as the Swedish system. Finnish massage is widely spread in the countries of Scandinavia. Today, this system is supplemented by the techniques of Russian and Swedish schools.
The eastern massage technique differs significantly from the above techniques. The master does not use oils or other additional means during the session. This allows you to achieve maximum effects on the body. Massage is done with hands, however some techniques (Thai massage) are performed with feet.
Movements during the procedure can be directed both from the edges to the center, and in the opposite direction. As a result, it is possible to free the muscles from venous blood. Also, the effect is on the joints. They become more elastic.
Oriental massage involves the use of techniques such as twisting, stretching and kneading. Stroking and rubbing may also be used. Much attention is paid to the arms and legs. Grinding is performed with a sufficiently strong pressure. The master in this case uses the mass of his body to exert sufficient force. Therefore, oriental massage methods involve performing the procedure on the floor or on a low sunbed.
Classical and therapeutic massage
Of particular note are the methods of classical massage. This is a good prophylactic that promotes the healing of the whole organism. In some sources, this technique is called hygienic, general, wellness massage. In the course of therapy, an effect is exerted on the whole body, starting from the head and ending with the feet.
The classic type of massage involves the use of rubbing, grinding, kneading, vibration and stroking. This technique allows you to remove muscle tension, accelerate blood flow. This leads to improved tissue oxygen supply. The functions of internal organs are normalized. The skin becomes elastic, acquire a healthy appearance. The immune system works more actively, and toxins are more quickly eliminated from the body. The intensity of exposure, pace and duration of the procedure are individual for each patient.
Therapeutic, or medical massage is also one of the common types of such therapy. It is used in the treatment of various injuries and injuries, as well as various ailments. Especially often, this technique is used during the rehabilitation of the patient. In combination with various medications, massage can improve the effect of drugs.
This category of manipulations includes massage methods for the heart, muscles, and joints. The therapeutic effect allows you to get rid of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory organs. It is prescribed for gynecological diseases, musculoskeletal system, urological problems. Massage speeds up metabolism. This category of effects includes many subspecies of different techniques. They are aimed at improving the condition of the patient with certain ailments.
Massage for children and sports
Massage methods in children up to a year are different from those effects that are applicable to older children and adults. Its effect on the baby’s body is great. This is a type of classic and medical massage. In infancy, such effects contribute to the rapid mental and physical development of the child, strengthen immunity. Some types of massage are aimed at correcting posture (they are performed by a qualified specialist).
Children's massage avoids the development of flat feet, strengthens the nervous system. For various diseases, profile massage methods are prescribed. In infancy, if there are no contraindications, such effects can be carried out by parents on their own. This is a kind of preventive therapy.
Sports massage is used to restore the body after exhausting workouts, great physical exertion. Also, similar effects are carried out before sports competitions. There are several types of sports massage. In the process of its implementation, special attention is paid to muscles, ligaments and joints. This category includes training, preliminary, restorative massage, as well as exposure to bruises and injuries.
Cosmetic massage
A special place in the presented therapeutic effect is cosmetic massage. It allows you to maintain elasticity and a healthy appearance of the epithelium. Various face and neck massage methods prevent signs of aging. The skin looks well-groomed and young. Also, the presented therapy is an effective remedy for various pathologies of a cosmetic nature.
This category includes preventive, medical, cosmetic and plastic massage. The first of these types of exposure is carried out to prevent the appearance of various defects. Therapeutic and cosmetic massage is designed to remove wrinkles, stretch marks, body fat. Plastic therapies are indicated for older people to increase skin tone.
Visceral massage
Particularly noteworthy are the methods of visceral massage. They are used not only for the treatment and prevention of diseases of internal organs and skin integuments, but they are also an effective diagnostic technique. In the process , the masseur acts on the organs through the front wall of the patient’s abdomen. In doing so, he applies movements such as shifts, tapping, or pushing.
This technique allows not only to improve the blood flow to the internal organs, but even if they are omitted, to give the viscera the correct position. Such a massage improves blood circulation not only in the abdominal cavity, but also in the head and limbs. This is an effective method of treatment and prevention of various ailments.
Having examined various massage methods, as well as their features, we can assess the degree of impact of a particular technique on the body. Such manipulations are best entrusted to a professional. The health and well-being of a person depends on this.